Designed by DCNS, Mistral BPC (Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandment)
LHD is a multi-mission 21,500t amphibious assault, command and power
projection ship. Mistral-class vessels are capable to accommodate and
deploy 16 transport or attack helicopters, four landing crafts, up to
70 vehicles or 13 main battle tanks. They have accommodations for 450
to 700 troops. Each ship of the class is equipped with a 69-bed hospital.

Three ships are currently in service with the French Navy, with option
and requirement for a fourth unit in the future.

The Russian Navy ordered two vessels of the class (with option for 2
more) in January 2011. The ships will be built by DCNS and STX along
with Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation, OSK.

The head of class, Mistral, was commissioned with the French
Navy in February 2006.

Shiplist

Name

Hull
Number

User

Laid
Down

Commissioned

Mistral

L9013

French
Navy

07/2003

02/2006

Tonnerre

L9014

French
Navy

08/2003

12/2006

Dixmude

L9015

French
Navy

04/2009

07/2011

Vladivostok

n/a

Russian
Navy

02/2012

2014

Sevastopol

n/a

Russian
Navy

n/a

2015

N/A

n/a

Russian
Navy

n/a

2013

N/A

n/a

Russian
Navy

n/a

2012

Variants

-
BPC 250: Original design of BPC (24,542 t, 214.5 m).
This version was offered to the Royal Australian Navy for the Camberra
class LHD (RAN eventually selected a Navantia design). For RAN needs
it would have been fitted with a skyjump, heavier elevators and Inovelis
pods to achieve higher speed (20+ kts).

- BPC 210:
This is the final version selected by the French Navy following its
own requirements. (21,500 t, 199 m)

The
first two vessels were constructed at various locations in three major
sections (2 in Gdansk, Poland, 1 in St Nazaire, France) which were united
on completion in Brest (France).
Civil standards and technologies are used in the construction process
which significantly reduces both cost and time to completion.
First “all electric” ship in service within the French Navy,
the BPC Mistral is fitted with two 360° rotating Pods providing
unmatched manoeuvrability.

Missions

Command
Ship :
850 square meters of modular, pre-wired space. It can accommodate
a military staff (national or as part of a coalition from operational
or tactical level) of up to 200 people. Onboard accomodations provide
similar working conditions similar to those found on a station command
ashore.

Amphibious operations:
» Payload capacity: 2,650 square meters of hangar for vehicles,
cargo and 450 soldiers with levels of comfort and roominess allowing
for long journeys. This ability to transport soldiers may be increased
to a maximum of 700 with more basic comfort. Up to 70 vehicles or
13 MBTs or a mix of both.
» Well-deck has capacity for 4 LCU type landing craft or 2
Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or 2 Landing Catamarans (L-CAT/EDA-R).
All types of vehicles (Jeeps, IFV, MBTs, APCs, Engineering) as well
as soldiers can be loaded into landing craft inside the well-deck
and taken to shore.

120206-M-HJ844-020
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) Amphibious assault vehicles drive towards Onslow Beach during exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise takes place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel V. Gonzales/Released)